Biggest Loser 9 Spring Challenge -- thread closing -- see new thread Part 2!

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

Well, I'm a lot shorter than you are (5'4"), but I've generally heard that about 20 pounds is the difference between sizes.

That's really interesting that 20 pounds works for different heights in terms of clothing size! Being on the taller side, a plus has always been that a weight gain of ten pounds or so just isn't that noticeable. The obvious downsides are that it's easier for me to slide in the wrong direction when the gain doesn't show and (even more) the weight loss doesn't show much, either. I don't think anyone other than my DH has noticed I've lost any weight yet (and he's been so sweet about positive comments). I did notice today that I had to keep hiking up the new jeans I bought back in November, so I'm pretty close to needing to go down that size even though the weight loss itself just isn't noticeable yet.

JI did great at the work dinner last night. I had a glass of wine, a piece of sea bass, none of the rice and ate the grilled veggies. I did have a bit of the cheesecake...but just the smallest tasting and I had plenty of points available for it. I made my one glass of wine last the whole night by drinking plenty of water at the table as well. I was really happy with the outcome though because there were tons of tempting foods that I didn't even really feel like I was truly tempted by. I tend to look at so many foods now and think...how many minutes on the treadmill will that cost me.

I think it's wonderful how well you did at dinner last night! That's one area that I'm still a little scared about. This whole month of January, I mostly managed to eat at home or have control over the menus. There's going to be more "out of my control" events coming up over the next couple of months, so it's good to hear your account of how you made one of those evenings work. I'm going to be heading down to So Cal over ski week with my DDs (DH will probably need to stay home due to work). I'm going to need to plan our food for the drive so I don't stray towards In-N-Out on the drive. We'll be at DM's house and DMIL's house for a couple days each and they tend to cook healthy, so I should be okay there. We're going to spend one day at Disneyland, though, and I need to decide if that's going to be a splurge day, a half-splurge day, or put a plan in place for a good staying on track day at the parks.

I think that 20 pounds is a good estimate for space between sizes, to a point, but I did not ice that once I got to the 10's, they were closer together on the scale. I now have size 4's and 6's, and it's maybe only 20 lbs between the 10's and the 4's. On me. But I have a thicker waist and no hips to speak of. Part of it is the famous mom-pouch. Is that really thanks to that cesarian birth 11 years ago?

I'm really curious now to see how those sizes fit me when I get down to my "regular" weight! Way back when I was 148 (a pretty good weight for me and I haven't been there since college!) I wore a size 10/12. When I hear people talking about being a size 6 or 4 or 2 (or zero!!!), my reaction is -- . "Yeah, like I'll ever be there!" Now I'm curious to see how these changes in clothing size will effect my ultimate size.

Thanks, jennz! Maybe I will change it!

OK, I'll change my clippie to 40 lbs!

Is that ok with everyone else?

I like to see how much weight everyone has lost! It gives me some real perspective of what they've already tried and how much experience they have with losing weight. Gives them some gravitas! I know I always read a few posters comments with extra attention to detail (Sahbushka and Corinnak, for example) because I know they've already lost a significant amount of weight. Not to say that someone who has only lost one pound doesn't have information of equal interest to me, not at all, since they are in a similar place to where I am now! It's just someone who has lost 40 or 50 or 75 pounds has such a great perspective of what you need to do to make all of these changes stick and I really consider them mentors for the group.

 

[maiziezoe]

When is it going to warm up?

Thanks, jennz! Maybe I will change it!

Time to play a game with the kiddos before sending them to bed and me heading down for my last 3 miles of the day!

OK, I'll change my clippie to 40 lbs!

Is that ok with everyone else?

Your new clippie looks great on you!!

 

[my3princes]

I had to take out some of my signature stuff so everything relevant could be seen. I had to take out the fall challenge and my walking to Disney image.

I think the 40 pound clippie looks good on me! LOL! So it's there now! Can't wait to change it to 50! Hopefully by the end of February! Then I hope to be a maintainer!

Just finished 6 miles for the day! Still enjoying my water. Had a half handful of M&Ms earlier! Not sure if I want to have my Skinny Cow or some lite popcorn. Same calories!

Watching Celtic Woman on PBS. Should be preparing for my Sunday School class in the morning. I'll do it in the morning. Just want to relax the rest of the night!

Good night Losers!!!!!

Wow, your signature looks 40 lbs lighter I love it.

 

[maiziezoe]

Busy day, busy day!!

I did my AE Active this morning and then 30 minutes of Wii Fit Step. Then we packed up the little kids (13 year old is with her dad this weekend) and went to a home and business expo. It was kind of a waste of time but I did run into a friend I haven't seen in several months who commented on how great I look. I almost kissed her. After the expo we went to see Curious George Live. I bought the kids popcorn and held it in my lap so they could share and I didn't eat one piece! After Monkey George (as my kids call him) we went out for Japanese food. It was awesome. I believe I did very good. I asked that my food not be grilled with oil and butter... and since I was able to watch the dude cook it, I know he did it right. Then we went grocery shopping for some WW bagels and some Healthy Life bread. Now we're home and I am TIRED!!

jbm ~ thanks so much for posting the Biggest Loser weekly menu. I am going to steal a few things off of there for meal ideas.

 

[my3princes]

DH and I spent 5 hours turning our basement gym into a workout studio. We added chin up bars so the 5 of us can all work out together and we added padded snap together flooring. As soon as DH's new dumbbells get here we will be all set up. The kids are so happy with it. I wish it wasn't in the basement as I have a dust allergy and no matter how clean it is, it is still a basement. I'll try to remember to take photos tomorrow.

 

[iheartdolewhips]

That's really interesting that 20 pounds works for different heights in terms of clothing size! Being on the taller side, a plus has always been that a weight gain of ten pounds or so just isn't that noticeable. The obvious downsides are that it's easier for me to slide in the wrong direction when the gain doesn't show and (even more) the weight loss doesn't show much, either.

Yes, I have read several articles and such that said that. Obviously 20 pounds is a rough guideline, but I think it helps break it down to seem more manageable and obtainable.

Someone earlier posted that 20 pounds felt about right until they got to a size 10 or below, where they found it took fewer pounds to change sizes. I thought this was interesting and started looking at clothes size charts. Here is a sample one that has standard measurements for most of the ones I looked at. Comparing hip measurements, sizes 6 and below have a range of .5 in (with the exception of 0, which has .75 in). Sizes 8 and 10 have a range of 1 in. And 12 and above has 1.5 in range.

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

I just registered for the Disneyland Half Marathon!!! I think I mentioned on a previous post on this thread that when I planned our DLR trip for December 2009, my deal with DH was that we could buy APs if I would run the Half with him over Labor Day. Talk about motivation! So, we have the AP's, I just found out in another thread about a discount code for the race, and I went ahead and bit the bullet and signed us up.

It feels a bit early to me, mostly because I had in my head that I was going to wait and sign up when I finished my C25K program and started building endurance for the much longer 13 mile run, but in addition to the coupon code (DLTS951 - saves $21 for anyone interested), I started worrying that the race would sell out and I would lose my highly motivating event that's keeping me excited about training. Now I just need to look into where to stay. My preference will probably be for the DLH just because I'll want our room to be close after the race ends!

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

After Monkey George (as my kids call him) we went out for Japanese food. It was awesome. I believe I did very good. I asked that my food not be grilled with oil and butter... and since I was able to watch the dude cook it, I know he did it right.

I'm so glad you went out to Japanese and enjoyed your meal! I was sad for you when you thought it would be too many points. I SO love Japanese and especially sushi/sashimi. What did you order?

 

[donac]

Boy this place was busy yesterday.

I spent the day working at a charity event. We were making pillowcases for kids with cancer. A quilt magazine challenged the quilters in America to make 1million pillowcases. According to this magazine if each of their readers made 4 cases they would hit their goal. Now quilt shops are in on it also. My quilt shop has pledged at least 1000. Yesterday was our first day for the year. Between what we made and what was dropped off to the store we had about 280 to donate.

Will post a picture later.

Well better get moving. Church, grocery shopping and costumes today.

Have a great day everyone.

 

[pjlla]

Morning folks! Just dropping by quickly to post the QOTD and then I am off to DD's swim meet (and I'm already running late! ).

Today's QOTD:

What are you most afraid of in regards to this weight loss journey?

I'm not generally a person with big fears or anxieties (other than something happening to my family), but I think I am most afraid that I will lose the weight and not be able to maintain. This is the furthest I have EVER come on a weight loss journey and I am truly almost AFRAID to hit maintenance. Maybe that is why I have been kind of just puttering around with these last few pounds???

I'll hop on tonight when I get back! Have a beautiful Sunday everyone!.....P

 

[tmfranlk]

Good morning, everyone! Sounds like there have been some big successes this weekend. My week and weekend have gone pretty well. The biggest change has been that I decided to bite the bullet and give up my soda habit. It wasn't a huge one - usually one large diet from McDonald's every day or two, okay mostly everyday and sometimes twice, but it still needs to be tamed. My craving is pretty specific - it has to be a fountain soda, and McDs calms it best - so hopefully it will be easier to kick then if I had to avoid drinking the stuff that's in the house. Man, I crave those bubbles though.

 

[cclovesdis]

Good Morning Everyone,

Had a good, OP day yesterday. Did drink wine for the first time in probably a year or more, but used some of my WPA and was fine with it. I slept for almost 12 hours last night and when I finally woke up couldn't get into exercising. It's very cold here in CT, but I'm thinking of taking a walk later anyway. Just a quick one to increase my step total for the day. I've planned most of my menu for the day and it looks like I'm unlikely to go over my minimum points today.

QOTD: I seem to hit a road block when I get under 140 pounds, which puts me less than 10 pounds from the upper extreme of a healthy weight. My fear is getting to a healthy weight. Of course, my fear should be maintaining because my idea of a healthy weight is just under 120. Last week I lost so much that I went under 140 and this week I gained a tiny bit, less than half a pound, but still a gain. All I do is yo-yo between 136 and 142. I'm determined to get under 135.

That being said, it's time to write out my rewards for achieving weight loss goals. I've been thinking a lot about them and trying to avoid food rewards, but I am on a budget, so I had to come up with some cheap ones. Here goes nothing. Sorry this is such a long post.

Reaching 135 pounds- 4 points worth of hot chocolate at Starbucks
Reaching 35 pounds lost- WATP DVD
Reaching 130 pounds- small box of Junior Mints
Reaching 40 pounds lost- new gym shorts
Reaching 125 pounds- WATP DVD
Reaching 45 pounds lots- new gym socks
Reaching 120 pounds- 4 points worth of hot chocolate at Starbucks
Reaching Goal/50 pounds lost- going shopping for new pants

Have a great OP day everyone! And, thanks for listening!

 

[tigger813]

QOTD: My biggest fear also is whether I can maintain it. I know it will be a struggle at first but like losing this weight hopefully it will become a habit.

Did great this weekend, SO FAR! Only up .2 for the weekend. Probably will be up a bit more tomorrow as we have company coming today and will be having pizza and snacks and drinks.

Heading out to church in about 30 minutes. Teaching Sunday School and then there is a christening during the service. Then DD1 has choir practice after church and then we will run to the liquor store on the way home. I also have to pick up a bag of chips! The company is bringing the dessert. I have an angel food cake that I made yesterday that I could snack on.

Had one chocolate chip muffin for 130 calories. Gonna take my big bottle of water to hold me over until I get home. May take a small LUNA bar with me too.

Watching DR. WHO with our company today. We are all big fans and are sad to see David Tennant leave! We will be watching the last episode with him again and then the special features DVD. DH gets the DVDs before they come out to review for his scifi website. It's fun watching the stuff. I caught bits and pieces yesterday so it will be good to sit down and enjoy the whole thing.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[jennz]

Today's QOTD:

What are you most afraid of in regards to this weight loss journey?

....P

Okay my answer is kind of deep and very personal and I think I really need some pushing from a Jillian to help me with this. My weight has been my protection. For whatever reason I have always had a huge dark fear of rape, I don't know why. I remember a video they showed us in 6th grade - a mom put her kids on the school bus, waved goodbye to her hubby and went back inside without locking the door and a man came in a raped her. Lovely for a 10 year old to watch right? Maybe I read way more into it, but anyway, 35 years later...when I was thin people "noticed" me. Extra pounds = invisibility. I really really need to work through this, I have tears in my eyes as I'm typing this. So I'll do what I do best and change the subject...

DD has a cheer competition in Ft. Wayne today, her squad is against 3 others. Go Flames!! That's a 2 hour drive, so I'm off to get ready. Have a great day everyone!

 

[mikamah]

Yesterday I reached a 40 pound total for weight loss! I plan on that getting to 50 by mid March!

Whoo hoo!!!That is awesome Tracey, and that clippie looks great!!

Okay are you all ready for this...I went sledding today!! First time in my life! (grew up in Orlando) It was actually fun, but it was cold. I almost peed my pants - that was not fun (post baby benefit lol sorry if tmi!) and I think I'm kind of bruised - at one point I bounced off onto a side walk. And that's a lot of work just getting up off the ground over and over!

Sledding sounds like so much fun for you. My brother has a big hill beside his house, so when we're out there, we sled, and let me tell you, hiking this body up and down off the sled is defiintely exercise. Hope you're bruises aren't too bad. It is amazing to get to know people from all over the country. Living in newengland, we grew up with snow and sledding, but there are so many places where you don't have that.

King Cake


King cakes are a close relative to the cinnamon roll in both ingredients and taste. And I think a few places sell some mini king cakes that are roughly one serving, but the vast majority are full cakes.

It's technically not called "king cake season" but in my mind, that's one of the best parts of Carnival, which lasts from Three Kings Day (Epiphany - Jan 6th) through Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday - the day before Ash Wednesday). This year, Mardi Gras Day is February 16th. Most bakeries will only sell king cakes during Carnival because that is traditional. A few will change the colors of the sprinkles on top and sell them year round.

Yup, that sounds dangerous. It would be too easy to curl up with a king cake on these cold winter weekends.

After the expo we went to see Curious George Live. I bought the kids popcorn and held it in my lap so they could share and I didn't eat one piece! After Monkey George (as my kids call him) we went out for Japanese food. It was awesome. I believe I did very good. I asked that my food not be grilled with oil and butter... and since I was able to watch the dude cook it, I know he did it right. Then we went grocery shopping for some WW bagels and some Healthy Life bread. Now we're home and I am TIRED!!

My son still loves curious george, now I'll have to check and see if he's coming to boston. When he was younger, we saw dora and diego live, and they were great shows. Sounds like your japanese food went well.

Today's QOTD:

What are you most afraid of in regards to this weight loss journey?

I'm afraid I'm not going to lose any weight, and then backslide and gain back the little I've kept off. I guess I'm also a little afraid of losing the weight too. It's easy to blame some of the unhappiness in my life on my weight, but if it came off, and those feelings were still there, then they are my own, and i have to own up to them. I think I have issues. I do want to lose the weight. Yesterdays ww meeting was on eating for hunger, and on finding ways to stop the emotional eating. They talked about all the emotional reasons we eat, and what to do instead. My leader is pretty funny- "if you hungry, you need food, if you're sad- you need to cry, deal with the emotions." The hardest emotion to not eat for was happiness- celebrating. so many of us celebrate with food, and you can't avoid celebrations-birthdays, graduations, but you need to find a way to deal with them, using your weekly 35 points, or planning a splurge, making healthy choices.

Well, I'm on day 2, and yesterday was the first day all year that I tracked every bite. I'm off to steal the tv from michael now and do some wii fit.

have a great sunday.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Today's QOTD:

What are you most afraid of in regards to this weight loss journey?

I fear myself the most. I dont have fears or anxietys normally either but I always give up on myself. I am not doing it this time. I want to have another baby but I am putting my weight loss first so if I get pregnant great but I am not stopping my plan due to that.

I am off to the parks today. Got in my C25K this morning. Hopefully that will make up for my tea at the GF today. I am treating my son for learning the whole alphabet. He is 5 and loves tea go figure. Maybe it is his European roots from his nana. So that is his treat and mine for the day. See you all later tonight. Have a great Sunday.

 

[ohMom]

well i got a bit behind....

qotd -- my biggest 'fear' or concern is that I sabotage myself, I know several others have said the same thing...then i feel out of control. still working on this

thought i'd read a bit to motivate me to workout!

 

[my3princes]

QOTD: For me it is exercise. Exercise is my nemisis. I am committed to starting though. Not only do I need to do it to reach my goals and to improve my health, but I need to be a good role model for my kids. The kids are starting a passport to winter fun tomorrow and they are challenged to get at least one hour of exercise each day and they get extra points if they do it with family. It is almost as if it is meant to be. I used to worry about gaining the weight back, but I am confident that after 6 years I will not regain too much of it. I seem to play with 10 lbs before I get motivated to get back on the horse. I'm sure that it will be more difficult once I reach my true goal, but I think that I can do it.

 

[mikamah]

Okay my answer is kind of deep and very personal and I think I really need some pushing from a Jillian to help me with this. My weight has been my protection. For whatever reason I have always had a huge dark fear of rape, I don't know why. I remember a video they showed us in 6th grade - a mom put her kids on the school bus, waved goodbye to her hubby and went back inside without locking the door and a man came in a raped her. Lovely for a 10 year old to watch right? Maybe I read way more into it, but anyway, 35 years later...when I was thin people "noticed" me. Extra pounds = invisibility. I really really need to work through this, I have tears in my eyes as I'm typing this.

 

[lecach]

Today's QOTD:

What are you most afraid of in regards to this weight loss journey?

Falling off the wagon. I am in the daily exercise and diet pattern now and it's a part of my routine. But I know all too well how easy it is to skip a day of exercise, eat a bad meal, and then gradually increase those bad behaviors.